Tito’s nuclear bunker is like a time machine hidden deep under a mountain. It’s time to fulfill your spy movie fantasies, as this place in Bosnia and Herzegovina transports you back in time to the Cold War era, offering a glimpse into what the chilling reality of people hiding in this mega-shelter would have been.
The secret mission starts now!
Cost: Yes. You can check the prices and book the tour here. (But there are other sellers as well)
How long does it take: ~90 min. Typically there are 3 time slots per day: 9:00; 12:00; 15:00
How to get there: You need to go by a car. There is free parking in the premises. Or there are some companies that can provide transportation to Tito’ s bunker for an extra charge if you purchase tickets from them.
Check out our full Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina itinerary
Finding the Hidden Entrance to Tito’s Bunker
As the tour begins, the gates open, and we drive into the restricted area. Makes you feel like a super-spy on a top-secret mission, doesn’t it? A walk through the forest follows, and so far, nothing hints at one of the biggest secrets of the former Yugoslavia buried here. But that’s the point.
After a while, we stop next to what looks like an ordinary building. You’d probably pass it by without a second glance. Nothing special about it. Or is there?
There is! This is one of the three hidden entrances to Tito’s bunker, and here, our adventure officially begins.
The Creepy Side of Tito’s Bunker
We follow the guide into a slightly creepy tunnel. Wires run through it, linoleum underfoot is severely chipped, and it’s impossible to tell where the tunnel leads. Now it starts to feel a bit like one of those post-apocalyptic computer games.
Our knowledgeable guide shares fascinating details about the history of Tito’s bunker and leads us to what I consider the creepiest part of the bunker, at least from what is shown in the tours: Tito’s bunker’s water supply system.
We step into a small room with two features – little stairs leading to small doors and a big metal door with a massive lock, that looks like it is intended to keep something big and scary jailed in. Which one to explore first?
Let’s do the big door. Behind it lies another concrete tunnel lined with metal pipes. According to the guide, there is a well at the end. No monsters trapped in here, though.
Next, let’s take a peek behind the small door. What’s there? Very, very, very old water. It’s the water reservoir. It looks quite gross. Definitely not drinkable anymore, and I don’t like the feeling of not knowing what’s at the bottom.
Let’s move on.
The Tech-Savvy Side of Tito’s Bunker
Here’s a little quiz for you: What systems are needed to support human life sealed away from the world for up to six months?
10 points if you guessed water. We already saw that. But one also needs air to breathe, food to eat, communications to understand what’s happening, and medical equipment in case someone needs surgery. Additionally, a source of electricity is necessary to keep this whole masterpiece going.
Tito’s bunker had it all when it was built. Nowadays, the food and medical equipment are gone. ’80s medical gear would add a whole new level of horror movie vibes. But you can still visit the power block, ventilation block, and communications block.
So let’s head there.
First, we walk by the big containers where fuel was stored for generating electricity if the generators failed. You can feel the apocalyptic computer game aura here as well. Then you come across the huge ventilation system, which is still in operation today. It’s extremely loud. Our guide explains that it now brings in fresh air, but during a crisis, the bunker would be hermetically sealed, and the system would be circulating and cleaning the air inside. Now that’s impressive!
But there is still a lot to explore.
A Nuclear Bunker That Tries to Be Home-like. What?
As we just saw, the life-sustaining blocks in Tito’s bunker are what you’d expect in a nuclear shelter – big metal doors, wires, switches, and creepy tunnels. But the bedrooms? They tell a different story. Whoever decorated them tried to make them cozy with wallpaper, wood panels and everyday furniture. A nuclear war bunker trying to be homey? What a strange thing to wrap your head around!
Everything is, of course, ’80s prime, frozen in time. Depending on which part of the world you come from, you may recognize some of the shelving units or chairs as similar to what you’ve seen in your grandma’s house.
Tito’s bunkers conference rooms – where the most important decisions would be made
The conference room is where you truly feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The furniture style is the same as in the living quarters, but instead of modern technology you would expect to see in the command centre nowadays, there are paper maps and landline phones. And there is, of course, a picture of Tito himself on the wall.
So sit down in one of the old-school yellow upholstered chairs to listen to more commentary from your guide.
Communication Center of Tito’s Bunker
If you’re fascinated by old technology, here’s a treat for you. What is this? Some kind of typing machine? There’s a whole room filled with them. Again, it feels more like an apocalyptic computer game than a real place.
But it was real.
Back to Reality
Finally, we step outside into the warm sunshine, perhaps with a bit more appreciation for the life we have. It’s comforting to know that our time in a place like this is limited to just one tour.
Thoughts?
I found it very intriguing. It might be because it was a first-time experience for me, but I also feel like I learned a lot about former Yugoslavia too. M. said he was expecting something even more grand, but still found the information interesting.
What to know before visiting Tito’ s bunker
How to Get Tickets to Tito’s Bunker?
You have to purchase tickets to Tito’s bunker in advance. There are multiple places in Konjic and online where you can buy them. As we were going by our own car, we just walked into a seller’s office, and they kindly accommodated us.
When can I visit the Bunker?
You can visit only with a guide. But You wouldn’t want to be alone there anyway. There are usually 3 tours per day at 9:00, 12:00 and 15:00.
Is it allowed to take photos / film in the bunker?
As this is a restricted area you can not film in there. But you can take photos inside the bunker (outside area is restricted too, so no photos outside).
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Check out the full itinerary of our Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina road trip
A lot more fun things to experience organized in a day-to day plan